The Directing Style of Quentin Tarantino

Best Tarantino MoviesQT's Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown Is there any filmmaker whose personality is more apparent when you watch his films than Quentin Tarantino? In his own quirky way, Tarantino has introduced us to some of the most shocking and moving emotional moments on film.Of course, Quentin Tarantino’s writing style is a huge part of what’s made him so successful, but more than that, it is his shot choices that bring the audience deeper into the narrative. Tarantino, like all directors working at the top of their game, uses the camera as his…

15 Pro Tips to Create a More Encouraging Production Schedule

Let's face it, shooting schedules can be super complicated. Who’s available when? How do we shoot the most expensive elements? It’s easy to forget that a production schedule is as much a psychological tool as it is a logistical one. Here's how to make a schedule for your shoot that will increase the productivity and positivity of your team.Continue reading 15 Pro Tips to Create a More Encouraging Production Schedule

Breaking Down the Wedding Scene from Crazy Rich Asians

Every production starts with the script breakdown. Whether you’re working on an effects-heavy mega-budget project like Age of Ultron or a micro-budget indie like Paranormal Activity, you won’t really know what bringing that story to life is going to require until you get into the script and take it apart element by element. So, let’s practice a script breakdown using the big wedding scene from the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Continue reading Breaking Down the Wedding Scene from Crazy Rich Asians

What Lies Beneath: Know When Actors Exaggerate Their Resumes

Everyone has told a little white lie to get a red-hot job, amirite?  You do what you have to get your foot in the door. But, telling a lie in production is a gift that could keep on giving as long as there is work to be done or a film that stands the test of time.  It can also stop a production in its’ tracks. It is important to know which lies to let slide, which to nip in the bud and which you may have to bounce back from when that happen on your set. There are certain…

Social Media and Digital Communications for Successful Short Films

Navigating our uber-connected, tech-driven world can be overwhelming for filmmakers. Making a successful short film is exhausting enough. But keeping your crew -- and followers -- up to date, minute by minute, might feel like one step too many. All of the mediums might overwhelm you, but deep down you know you using them will help your film.But, you don’t need to be on every single social media platform in order to capitalize. You just need to choose your methods wisely, and set them up for maximum efficiency. In today’s post, I’ll show you what you need to stay connected…

Breaking Down the Contemporary Western: Westworld

As the lovechild of the Costume Drama and the Fantasy Adventure, the Western might have more considerations that go into producing it than any other genre. When shooting a western, you’ve got costumes, animals, and stunt work to contend with. You’ve got locations and dirt and weather…And that’s just on an ordinary shoot day. In this post, take a look at a few of the many considerations that go into shooting a western by breaking down a scene from HBO’s Westworld.Continue reading Breaking Down the Contemporary Western: Westworld

Organize Post Production Workflow to Edit Like a Pro

When it comes to keeping a shoot on budget and on schedule, a clean and organized workflow is everything. Film sets are busy places and as workplaces go, they’re pretty complex beasts, too. Factor in some serious creative personalities, and all that goes along with them, and you start to see just how tough a job it is to keep a film inside its box and on track. The thing is though, it’s not just important to keep everything and everyone happy on set. Spare a thought for the oft-forgotten, post-production workflow of a film’s creation. It’s in the edit…

How to Create a Production Company Business Plan [FREE Template]

Highly successful video companies start with a strong production company business plan. Whether your company has been around for a while, or you're a freelancer ready to take your services to the next level, this post will provide you with actionable strategies for success to compete more effectively right now.Continue reading How to Create a Production Company Business Plan [FREE Template]